Car Accident Lawyers Helping Weslaco Residents

Injured in a Car Accident? Call (956) 368-0000 Today!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Weslaco, Texas, you don’t have to face the insurance companies or rising medical bills alone. The experienced legal team at Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers is here to protect your rights and fight for full and fair compensation under Texas personal injury law.

We handle everything — from dealing with insurance adjusters to coordinating with local hospitals and crash report requests — so you can focus on healing. We even work with accident reconstruction and black box data experts when needed to build strong claims.

Don’t let delays hurt your case. Call us today at (956) 368-0000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Injured in a Weslaco Car Accident? Reach out through our contact form or speak with us directly at (956) 368-0000. We’re here to help — Hablamos Español.

Why Choose Our Weslaco Car Accident Attorneys?

When you’ve been injured in a car crash, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we bring unmatched experience and a deep commitment to the Weslaco community.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Experience in Texas Personal Injury Law
  Our attorneys have handled countless cases under Texas tort law, fighting for maximum compensation for accident victims statewide.
• In-Depth Knowledge of Weslaco Roads and Hidalgo County Courts
  We know local accident hotspots like Expressway 83, FM 1015, and Texas Boulevard, and understand the Hidalgo County court system.
• No Upfront Fees — You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case
  We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
• One-on-One Attention and Aggressive Representation
  You won’t be passed off to a case manager. Our lawyers work directly with every client and use resources like crash reconstruction and black box data to strengthen your claim.
• Bilingual Team Ready to Serve Spanish-Speaking Clients
  Our bilingual staff proudly serves the Spanish-speaking community of Weslaco and throughout the Rio Grande Valley, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.

We’re proud to represent the people of Weslaco, Texas, with the compassion, professionalism, and relentless advocacy your case deserves. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or long-term recovery, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Car Accident Injuries We Handle

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating car accident injuries can be — not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Our experienced Weslaco car accident attorneys help victims throughout Hidalgo County pursue full compensation for both visible and hidden injuries caused by negligent drivers.

Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision, rollover crash, or head-on impact, we’re prepared to advocate for your recovery.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is suddenly forced back and forth, damaging muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue. Symptoms may not appear right away, but untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. If you’re experiencing stiffness, headaches, or dizziness, consult a doctor immediately — then speak with a lawyer familiar with whiplash injury claims in Texas.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

High-impact crashes can cause severe spinal cord damage, resulting in partial or full paralysis, nerve pain, or long-term disability. These life-changing injuries often require extensive treatment, surgeries, and assistive equipment. We help clients in Weslaco secure compensation for both immediate care and future medical needs tied to spinal cord trauma.

Brain Trauma and Concussions

Even a “mild” traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have serious consequences. Car accidents are a leading cause of TBIs, including concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds. Victims may suffer memory loss, mood swings, concentration problems, or permanent cognitive impairment. We work with neurologists and medical experts to prove the true impact of brain injuries in your case.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken arms, legs, ribs, facial bones, and compound fractures are common in accidents involving rollovers or head-on collisions. Fractures can require surgery, physical therapy, and weeks of recovery time. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, we can help you seek damages for medical expenses, time off work, and long-term effects.

Soft Tissue Damage

Soft tissue injuries include strains, sprains, and deep bruising that may not show up on X-rays but can still cause significant pain and mobility issues. Insurance companies often downplay these injuries, but our team knows how to document and present soft tissue claims effectively to maximize compensation.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from seat belts, airbags, or the steering wheel can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening complications. These injuries may not be visible but often require emergency medical care. We work quickly to gather hospital records and expert opinions to build a strong case for internal injury victims.

Emotional Distress and PTSD

Physical injuries aren’t the only consequences of a car crash. Many clients suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. We believe in fighting for the full picture of your damages — not just the ones that show up on a scan. Texas law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, and we’re here to make sure your emotional health is taken seriously.

If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries in a car accident in Weslaco, McAllen, or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, contact Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you rebuild your life — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Weslaco Car Accident Attorneys by filling out our online form or calling (956) 368-0000. Se habla Español.

Car Accidents We Handle

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we understand that no two car accidents are the same. Every crash presents unique challenges, from proving fault to securing fair compensation for injuries and property damage. With decades of combined experience representing victims across Weslaco and Hidalgo County, our team is fully prepared to handle even the most complex cases.

Here are some of the most common types of car accidents we successfully litigate:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are among the most frequent in Weslaco, often occurring at intersections or in stop-and-go traffic on Expressway 83. These accidents can cause whiplash, back injuries, and brain trauma — even at low speeds. We help victims prove liability and fight back against insurers who try to downplay soft tissue or delayed-onset injuries.

Head-On Crashes

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These typically occur due to wrong-way driving, distracted driving, or intoxication. Our firm works closely with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build powerful claims for victims of head-on crashes throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents often involve SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with a higher center of gravity. These crashes can be caused by high-speed turns, tire blowouts, or collisions with other vehicles. Victims of rollover crashes often face spinal injuries, ejection injuries, or severe trauma. We investigate all factors — including vehicle design or road hazards — to determine fault and pursue full compensation.

Drunk Driving (DWI) Crashes

If you were injured by a drunk or drug-impaired driver, you may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. We aggressively pursue justice for victims of DWI accidents in Weslaco, using police reports, toxicology tests, and witness statements to hold reckless drivers accountable. Learn more about your rights under Texas DWI laws.

Distracted Driving / Texting Accidents

With smartphones in nearly every car, distracted driving — especially texting while driving — has become one of the top causes of crashes in Texas. We gather phone records, dashcam footage, and eyewitness accounts to prove when a driver’s attention was off the road. If a distracted driver caused your injury, we’re ready to help you recover.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction crashes and multi-vehicle pileups are legally complex, often involving multiple drivers, insurance policies, and conflicting statements. These are common on busy highways like I-2 and US 83, especially during poor weather or rush hour. Our firm has experience untangling these cases to determine fault and protect your claim.

Hit-and-Run Cases

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be terrifying and frustrating. Whether you were struck while driving, walking, or biking, we’ll work with law enforcement and use every investigative resource to identify the at-fault driver — or help you file a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage.

Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum insurance, but many on the road don’t. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still have options. We can help you file a UM/UIM claim through your own auto policy and ensure the insurance company treats you fairly.

No matter how your car accident happened, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers provides aggressive, compassionate legal representation for accident victims in Weslaco, McAllen, Edinburg, and throughout South Texas.

Call (956) 368-0000 today for a free consultation — we’re here to help you get your life back on track.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, our top priority is helping injured clients in Weslaco and across Hidalgo County recover the maximum compensation available under Texas law. Car accidents can leave victims with serious physical, emotional, and financial losses — and we’re here to make sure you’re fully compensated for everything you’ve endured.

Whether you’re recovering from a minor collision or a catastrophic crash, we fight to recover damages in every legally available category, including:

Medical Expenses

You can recover the full cost of your medical treatment, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may require. We work closely with doctors, specialists, and life-care planners to prove both your current and long-term healthcare needs.

Lost Wages

If your injuries caused you to miss work, you’re entitled to compensation for lost income, including hourly wages, salary, overtime, and self-employment earnings. We’ll help gather documentation like pay stubs, tax records, and employer statements to prove the value of your lost time.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

In cases involving permanent injuries or disability, you may no longer be able to return to your previous job — or work at all. Our legal team works with economists and vocational experts to calculate the loss of future earning potential, a critical part of many high-value personal injury claims in Texas.

Pain and Suffering

Texas law allows accident victims to recover compensation for non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional anguish, reduced quality of life, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. While these losses aren’t tied to bills or receipts, they’re very real — and we fight to make sure they’re valued fairly in your claim.

Property Damage

If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you’re entitled to reimbursement for auto repairs, replacement value, and rental car costs. We also handle diminished value claims if your car loses resale value after repairs — a common issue insurers may overlook.

Disability or Disfigurement

Permanent injuries such as scarring, amputation, paralysis, or loss of function may qualify you for additional damages under Texas personal injury law. These long-term impairments often come with medical, emotional, and financial consequences that deserve full legal recognition.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be eligible to file a Texas wrongful death claim. Surviving spouses, children, and parents can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and lost financial support. Our firm handles these cases with the compassion and aggressive advocacy families deserve.

Maximize Your Recovery With Trusted Weslaco Car Accident Attorneys

Don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we build strong claims backed by evidence, expert testimony, and real-world data — all with the goal of helping you move forward with financial security.

Call (956) 368-0000 today for a free consultation. We charge no fees unless we win.

Local Focus: Serving Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley

We proudly serve clients in Weslaco and surrounding communities, including Donna, Mercedes, Edcouch, La Feria, Harlingen, and McAllen. With deep ties to the Rio Grande Valley, we know what it takes to succeed in local courts and negotiations.

Speak With a Weslaco Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Weslaco, TX, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Let our attorneys handle the legal burden and fight for what you deserve.

Call (956) 368-0000 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Let Our Weslaco-Based Car Accident Lawyers Help You Today Start with a quick message or call (956) 368-0000 for a no-obligation case review. Hablamos Español.

What Happens After a Texas Car Wreck?

Getting into a car accident in Weslaco, Texas can be overwhelming. After ensuring everyone’s safety, it’s crucial to know your legal rights. You should report the crash to the police, gather evidence like photos and witness info, and seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries aren’t obvious. Consulting a trusted Weslaco car accident lawyer early on can protect you from insurance pitfalls and help secure the compensation you deserve. Remember, Texas has strict deadlines for filing injury claims, so acting fast is vital.

Recoverable Damages

If you’ve been injured in a Weslaco car accident, you may be entitled to recover various damages through a personal injury claim. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can help evaluate your claim and fight to maximize your settlement, ensuring you’re fairly compensated for both economic and non-economic losses.

Causes of Weslaco Car Crashes

Car accidents in Weslaco often happen due to factors like distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, running red lights, and poor road conditions. Weather events like heavy rain can also increase crash risks. Understanding the common causes helps victims build stronger cases. Our dedicated Weslaco car accident attorneys investigate every detail to identify who is at fault and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover crashes are especially dangerous and can cause severe injuries or fatalities. They often occur when drivers lose control due to sharp turns, speeding, or collisions with other vehicles or road hazards. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a rollover accident in Weslaco, it’s important to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and can help you pursue the compensation you need.

Post-Collision Fires

Post-collision fires are tragic and can lead to catastrophic injuries or death. They may start from fuel leaks, electrical shorts, or damaged batteries after a crash. Victims of Weslaco car accidents involving fires face unique challenges, and top legal representation is crucial. Our firm has experience handling fiery collision cases to ensure victims receive justice and fair compensation.

Weslaco Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of car accidents in Weslaco. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only break the law but put everyone on the road at risk. If you were hurt in a Weslaco drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek damages from the responsible party. Our knowledgeable Weslaco DUI accident lawyers aggressively pursue claims to help victims recover medical bills, lost income, and more.

Crash Reconstruction in Weslaco Car Accidents

Crash reconstruction is a crucial part of building a strong case after a car accident in Weslaco, Texas. This process involves a detailed scientific analysis of the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other physical evidence to determine how the accident happened and who was at fault. Experienced Weslaco car accident lawyers often work with crash reconstruction experts to uncover hidden facts that insurance companies or opposing parties might overlook.

By using advanced techniques and technology, crash reconstruction experts can recreate the sequence of events leading up to the collision. This evidence can be vital in negotiating fair settlements or presenting a compelling case in court. If you’ve been injured in a Weslaco car accident, having a lawyer who understands crash reconstruction can significantly improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Black Box Data in Weslaco Car Accidents

When you’re involved in a serious car accident in Weslaco, Texas, one of the most valuable yet often overlooked pieces of evidence is your vehicle’s black box, also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR). These devices are built into most modern vehicles and automatically record key information about how the vehicle was operating before, during, and immediately after a crash.

What Kind of Information Does a Black Box Record?

EDRs can provide critical, time-stamped data such as:

• Vehicle speed at the time of the accident
• Braking behavior – whether or not the brakes were applied
• Throttle position (acceleration)
• Steering angle and driver input
• Seatbelt usage by occupants
• Airbag deployment time and force
• Direction and severity of the impact

This data can help tell the story of what happened during the crash and is especially useful when liability is disputed or when injuries are severe.

Why Is Black Box Data Important After a Car Crash?

Unlike eyewitness statements, black box data is objective and technical. It can support your version of events, demonstrate another driver’s negligence, or prove that you were driving responsibly. In complex or high-speed collisions — including rollover accidents, drunk driving crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups — this evidence can make or break a personal injury case.

For example, if the other driver claims they weren’t speeding, but their black box shows they were going 65 mph in a 35 zone, that data becomes powerful proof of negligence.

Act Quickly

Retrieving black box data is time-sensitive. If the vehicle is repaired, totaled, or sent to a salvage yard, the data could be lost forever. That’s why it’s essential to speak with an experienced Weslaco car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our legal team can send preservation letters, hire forensic experts, and take the legal steps needed to secure this critical evidence before it disappears.

We Use Every Tool to Win Your Case

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we use cutting-edge legal strategies — including crash reconstruction and black box data analysis — to help injured clients in Weslaco and throughout Hidalgo County pursue the full compensation they deserve. Don’t rely on guesswork or insurance company spin. Let us gather the real facts and fight for your recovery.

About Weslaco, Texas

Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco, Texas is a vibrant and fast-growing city in Hidalgo County, just minutes from the U.S.–Mexico border. With a population of over 40,000, Weslaco serves as a regional hub for commerce, culture, and transportation in South Texas. Its central location between McAllen and Harlingen makes it a high-traffic area — and unfortunately, a hotspot for car accidents and traffic-related injuries.

Weslaco is known for its strong sense of community, excellent school districts, and access to world-class birding and outdoor activities, including the Estero Llano Grande State Park. However, its proximity to major highways like Interstate 2 (Expressway 83) and FM 1015 also means increased risks of serious auto accidents, especially during peak hours and holiday travel periods.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, trucking accident, or DUI-related incident in or around Weslaco, having a local attorney who understands the roads, courts, and insurance tactics in this region is critical. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we proudly serve injury victims in Weslaco and surrounding communities like Mercedes, Donna, Progreso, and Edcouch-Elsa — fighting to get the compensation they deserve.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation in Weslaco Car Accident Cases Contact us online or call (956) 368-0000 to speak with a personal injury attorney now. Hablamos Español.

Weslaco Links & Resources

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or need local assistance in Weslaco, the following resources can help you navigate the aftermath, get medical treatment, or access city services. We’ve compiled key local links to make it easier for you to find what you need.

Law Enforcement & Crash Reports

• Weslaco Police Department
  File a report or request accident records.
• Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) Crash Reports
  Purchase your Texas crash report online.
• Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office
  Jurisdictional authority outside city limits.

Hospitals & Medical Services

• Knapp Medical Center – Weslaco
  Full-service hospital providing emergency and trauma care.
• South Texas Health System ER Weslaco
  24/7 emergency room caring for victims with accident injuries.
• Valley Baptist Micro Hospital – Weslaco
  Emergency and outpatient services in the region.

Transportation & Road Conditions

• TxDOT – Texas Department of Transportation
  Check real-time road conditions and traffic updates.
• DriveTexas.org
  Interactive map with closures, construction zones, and accidents.
• Valley Metro – Public Transit in Weslaco
  Public transportation options in Hidalgo County.

Legal & Government Resources

• Hidalgo County Court System
  District, county, and justice courts where personal injury cases may be filed.
• City of Weslaco Official Site
  Local ordinances, permits, and public safety updates.
• Texas Courts Online
  State-level judicial information, including statutes and rules.

Vehicle & Insurance Resources

• Texas Department of Insurance – Auto Claims Info
  Understand your rights when dealing with insurers after a wreck.
• Texas DMV – Vehicle Records & Title Recovery
  Help with totaled cars, title replacement, or registration issues post-accident.

Emergency & Support Services

• Emergency Services: Call 911 for police, fire, or EMS
• Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers
  Submit anonymous tips about reckless or hit-and-run drivers.
• 211 Texas Rio Grande Valley
  Assistance with health, housing, and legal support services.

 Parks, Community & Recovery

• Estero Llano Grande State Park
  A peaceful place to recover and relax after a traumatic event.
• Weslaco Chamber of Commerce
  Local businesses and support services for residents.
• Hidalgo County Health & Human Services
  Access to mental health support and rehabilitation programs.

Need help understanding your legal options after a motor vehicle wreck? Contact our Weslaco car accident attorneys today! Dial (956) 368-0000 or complete our short form for a free consultation. We Don’t Settle, We Win!

Biomechanics in Car Accident Injury Claims

After a car accident in Weslaco or anywhere in Texas, proving the severity of your injuries isn’t always straightforward — especially if the crash involved minimal vehicle damage. Insurance companies often dispute injury claims by arguing that the collision couldn’t have caused serious harm. That’s where biomechanics becomes essential.

Biomechanics is the scientific study of how external forces, like those from a motor vehicle collision, affect the human body. It blends elements of biology, engineering, and physics to explain how injuries happen — and why they may occur even in so-called “minor” accidents. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we incorporate biomechanical principles to strengthen our clients’ claims and fight back against insurance tactics designed to minimize or deny payouts.

Backed by Science: NHTSA Biomechanics Research

We rely on credible, science-based resources like the NHTSA’s Biomechanics Research to help illustrate how different types of crashes — rear-end, side-impact, head-on, and rollovers — can lead to injuries that aren’t always visible on the surface.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted years of research to understand:

• How impact forces affect the head, spine, neck, and limbs
• What injury patterns are common in various crash scenarios
• How seat belts, airbags, and vehicle design influence injury outcomes
• How to reconstruct injury causation using data and crash dynamics

We use this research to back up your medical records and expert opinions — giving you a stronger case and a better chance at a full recovery.

Common Injuries Explained Through Biomechanics

Biomechanical analysis can help prove and explain:

• Whiplash and neck strain from sudden deceleration, common in rear-end accidents
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to rapid head movement
• Spinal disc herniation or bulges from compression and torque forces
• Knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries from bracing or airbag deployment
• Seatbelt-related injuries, including rib fractures or internal bruising

Even low-speed collisions — such as those under 15 mph — can result in lasting damage, especially if the victim has underlying vulnerabilities. Insurers often ignore this, but we bring in biomechanical experts to validate your injuries with scientific evidence.

Texas Car Accident Injury FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Weslaco?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and exchange insurance info. Document the scene with photos and contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal guidance.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you must file a lawsuit within 2 years of the accident date, or you may lose your right to recover compensation.

Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

If you’ve been seriously injured or the insurance company is offering a low settlement, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover significantly more than going it alone.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage. Our team can help with these complex claims.

How much is my car accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether you suffered long-term injuries. We evaluate all damages and fight for the highest possible recovery.

How We Use Biomechanics in Your Car Accident Case

Our firm may work with certified biomechanical engineers or forensic experts to:

• Analyze vehicle damage and crash dynamics
• Reconstruct how your body moved during the crash
• Compare your injuries to documented impact thresholds
• Disprove insurance arguments about “impossible” or “exaggerated” injuries

We then present this evidence to insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, or juries to show exactly how your injuries happened and why they are real — even when photos of the car don’t look severe.

Don’t Wait — Protect Your Rights After a Weslaco Auto Accident Send us a message now or call (956) 368-0000. Consultations are free. Hablamos Español.

Don’t Let an Insurance Company Deny What Science Can Prove

If you were injured in a car accident in Weslaco, and you’re being told your injuries aren’t serious because of a “low-impact” crash, don’t accept it. Contact Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers today. We combine cutting-edge scientific evidence with decades of courtroom experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.

People Also Ask

How much compensation can I get for a car accident in Texas?

The amount varies based on your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact. Severe injuries and permanent disabilities typically lead to higher settlements. A lawyer can evaluate your case and help pursue full compensation.

What damages can I recover after a car crash?

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost income, property damage, future care costs, emotional distress, and more. In fatal cases, wrongful death damages may apply.

How do I prove pain and suffering in a car accident case?

Evidence like medical records, therapy notes, personal journals, and testimony from family or experts can support a claim for pain and suffering. An attorney can help quantify these losses and include them in your demand package.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.